VALINN MCREYNOLDS GRADUATES FROM IOWA TOURISM LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Valinn McReynolds

First Institute Class Named

Valinn McReynolds, Executive Director, Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group is one of 17 graduates of the first Iowa Tourism Leadership Institute held April 9 & 10 at the Hotel Pattee in Perry, IA. The institute was initiated to offer the state’s tourism professionals an opportunity to expand their leadership knowledge and skills.

Institute session topics included core courses in personality assessment, marketing and branding, board/staff partnerships and leadership influence. Additional electives featured sessions in volunteer recruitment and training, signage, fundraising, cell phone/social media photography, meeting facilitation skills, and retail sales data for communities and counties. Speakers for the Institute were professionals with expertise in leadership and various disciplines related to tourism.

Institute attendees had to apply to attend the training and were required to demonstrate their involvement in the tourism industry and leadership qualities. The institute was coordinated by the Central Iowa Tourism Region with funding from the Iowa Tourism Office. “Attendees came from all parts of the state and we were pleased to provide an outstanding professional development and networking opportunity to existing and emerging leaders within the tourism industry,” said Ann Vogelbacher, Executive Director of the Central Iowa Tourism Region.